Local News

Lynn Griffith, Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis, Patricia Crowe and Helen Brown stroll through Memorial Park in Grafton after the local ladies were recognised for their tireless work as volunteers throughout the Clarence Valley. Image: contributed.

Saying thank you for selfless services

Volunteers are an invaluable asset to local communities.
On December 7, nine women from the Clarence and Richmond Valleys were recognised in this year’s Hidden Treasures Honour Roll for their tireless volunteering efforts.
An annual initiative of the NSW Government’s Rural Women’s Network, Hidden Treasures recognises the outstanding efforts of women who volunteer and promotes the valuable roles volunteering plays in local communities.
Hidden Treasures of 2020 are Brenda Armfield and Fleur Tonge of Casino, Helen Brown and Aninke Lippert of Yamba, Patricia Crowe of Grafton, Sloane Donnelly of Baryulgil, Georgia Foster-Eyles of Nymboida, Lynn Griffith of Copmanhurst, Megen Hibbins of Newton Boyd.
Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis said Hidden Treasures is an opportunity to pay tribute to country women who don’t seek recognition, but who richly deserve it for the tireless contribution they make to a wide range of social and community organisations and initiatives.
Mr Gulaptis met some of the recipients including Ms Griffith, Ms Crowe and Ms Brown in Grafton’s Memorial Park to personally thank them for their voluntary services and to present each of the ladies with a certificate from the NSW Government in recognition of their inclusion in this year’s Honour Roll.
“Volunteering helps form the fabric of communities, particularly in small rural towns where resources can be limited,” he said.
“It is women like this group of nine volunteering day in, day out who enhance our social infrastructure and we are all very grateful for their efforts.”